Taiwan is taking action against an unlikely foe: green iguanas. Officials plan to cull up to 120,000 of these reptiles, which are causing major problems for the island’s farming industry. Supporters are pushing for humane methods to reduce the population, which has skyrocketed in recent years.

Southern and central Taiwan, areas heavily reliant on agriculture, are home to an estimated 200,000 green iguanas. Last year, specially trained teams removed about 70,000 of them, with rewards of up to $15 per iguana. Local authorities are now asking residents to help locate nests and recommend using fishing spears as a humane way to cull them.

So, how did these iguanas become such a big issue? Many were originally kept as pets but were released into the wild when they outgrew their owners' expectations. With no natural predators in Taiwan, they’ve thrived, rapidly multiplying and invading farmlands, forests, and even the edges of towns. Males can grow up to 6.6 feet long and live for 20 years, while females can lay up to 80 eggs at a time.

Despite their sharp tails and teeth, green iguanas aren’t aggressive. They primarily eat fruit, leaves, and plants, but their presence is devastating to crops. Farmers, once frustrated, are now learning safer and more effective ways to manage the issue. Training programs are helping them protect their fields while treating the iguanas humanely.

Experts emphasize the need for a balanced approach. While the cull aims to restore ecological harmony, there’s a focus on educating the public and ensuring the process is carried out responsibly. As one farmer put it, “We’re learning better ways to handle this, and it’s making a difference.”